Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R3300)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Propulsion Design Engineer to design and deliver hardware supporting the propulsion system of a low-bypass turbofan-powered UAV. You’ll work across the engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems—helping transform conceptual propulsion architecture into testable, manufacturable, and flight-ready hardware.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for an engineer who thrives on building complex systems in a fast-paced environment. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability of next-generation aircraft propulsion systems.

• Design propulsion components and subsystems from concept through production release.
• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and assemblies in Siemens NX with full GD&T application.
• Collaborate with technicians, machinists, and production teams to solve real-time design and build challenges.
• Support prototype builds, troubleshoot non-conformances, and drive iterative hardware improvements.
• Apply sound engineering judgment and analysis to validate design decisions (e.g., hand calcs, FEA, or thermal analysis).
• Participate in cross-functional design reviews and help define interface requirements across propulsion, structures, and systems teams.
• Author design documentation, assembly instructions, and release packages for production readiness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards and workflows across the engineering team.

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• 3–5+ years of mechanical design experience in aerospace or related high-performance industries.
• Strong proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation (NX preferred) and GD&T.
• Working knowledge of design-for-manufacturing, machining, tolerances, and assembly workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across engineering and production teams to resolve design and build issues.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

• Experience with propulsion systems (fuel, oil, bleed air) or engine hardware.
• Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, or FEA tools for design validation.
• Exposure to high-temperature materials and thermally stressed component design.
• Experience developing work instructions, assembly documentation, and build guidance.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering a plus.

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Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.